Renting a Home

Signing a lease: What to review and negotiate first

From habitability requirements to deposits, here’s how to protect yourself and avoid costly surprises.

Renting with pets and service animals: Laws, fees and tips

How rules, fees and legal protections differ when living with furry friends.

When is the best time of year to rent an apartment?

Each market is different, but knowing the factors can help guide your decisions.

How to get an apartment with bad credit

Here are some practical ways to get approved when your credit isn’t perfect.

How does rent-to-own work?

Learn how these arrangements function and what to consider before committing.

How to determine your budget for an apartment

What monthly and surprise expenses to know before signing your lease.

What credit do you need to qualify for an apartment?

Landlords and property managers will look at your bill-paying history to determine your rental reliability.

Can you back out after signing a lease? Here’s what tenants should know.

The binding agreement locks you in, but a few narrow exceptions may let you leave early.

Understanding your rental-home lease

Knowing what’s included before you sign can save you from major surprises later.

How to prepare your rental application

From paperwork to approval, here’s how the process really works.